Appeals court sets quick date on NC voting law

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — A federal appeals court is hurrying to hear arguments in a case challenging changes to North Carolina voting law.

The new law is considered one of the toughest in the country and critics say it will suppress minority voter turnout.

The Richmond, Virginia-based 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Tuesday set a hearing for Sept. 25 in Charlotte. They'll consider whether November's election can be held under the new voting law approved by Republican lawmakers.

It's been just one month since a lower federal judge ruled that groups failed to show they would suffer "irreparable harm" if elections are held under the new law.

Changes included eliminating same-day registration during early voting and reducing the early-voting period by a week.